It's a wonderful life

It's a wonderful life! That's one of my favorite movies and darnnit all! I missed it this year. But I have to say it is a wonderful life and this has been a wonderful year. Thank you to all my friends in faraway places that I've had the pleasure of meeting this year. You have all enriched my life.

The past several weeks were filled with baking, making snowman (crafty ones - not snowy ones), and shows and jewelry making. While there were moments that I thought I was going to loose my mind in the craziness of it all, the overall emotion for this holiday season was joy. Really - pure joy.

James made this Christmas so special for me. He was totally into Santa Claus and loved singing Christmas songs. Here is our last few weeks in pictures.Here are Dave and James placing Johnny Cash on top of the Christmas tree. James somehow got the idea that Johnny Cash cut down our Christmas tree:) I made this topper the year before James was born and Johnny has ruled our tree ever since.

James and Marley after their school Christmas performance. How handsome.
James and his cousin Keagan riding a low rider. We spent the weekend with them and the boys had so much fun together. It's really adorable.

And to close it off, here is a picture of a custom order I did for a friend. His family owns a winery so we came up with this idea for some grape lovers:)

And now a little, tiny sneak peek of what's to come in 2009. I have some new designs but only these two that I have taken pictures of. A shop update is schedule for January 9th.

Again, thanks to everyone for the important roles you play in my life. I wish you a new year filled with joy and wonderful experiences.

It's over ... sort of

Well, I think the holiday rush has officially died down. I wouldn't call it over but definitely died down. I had my last show on Sunday and it was a winner. Unique Los Angeles was the BEST first time show I've ever done. You can not imagine the amazing selection of art, jewelry, toys, clothes, food and the list goes on....
So here were some of my favorites:

Spike Designs : The hardest working chick I know. Everything Sandy makes is made by her, by hand! She has printed tees for guys and girls and handmade leather bags and wallets. And she's super nice too:)

Mucha Muchacha jewelry : I love Nicole's fused glass pendants. She has a wonderful eye for color

Rock Scissor Paper : I love everything here. They have the cutest sensibility and apply it to all things paper related.

Hope you all are enjoying buying or making presents for those you care about. I sure am:)
By the way, I am officially OFF for a week starting December 26th! Can't wait for the break.

boygirlparty Sidekick shells

How adorable are these sidekick shells!!! Way to go Susie. Found via Design Sponge this morning. I really need a new cover for my iphone. I wish this was available.

Nice Feature

Just wanted to pop in for a minute to say thanks to Coleen for a very nice feature on Chocolate and Steel. Go visit her blog, Something just to Start. You will get PLENTY of great gift ideas.

Good, really Good

I'm doing a show on Saturday for Good Magazine. Etsy contacted me and asked me to be a part of it. I thought - sure, what the hell, it's right around the corner. But then I got the list of artists that are also doing the show and am now super excited to do this show. 3 of my favorite artists are going to be there too. I can't wait. I hope I'm not too dorky to go up and talk to them. There are many more very talented artists and designers that will be there but here are the 3 that I am totally excited to see in person. Creative Thursday is the work of Marisa Haedike and she has the most inspirational blog. Sharon Montrose is a photographer and I actually bought her book from Anthropologie years ago. It's adorable. Then Elsa Mora is just amazing all around. I first came to love her paintings last year. I went to her art show here in town and was blown away by all of her talent. Now she does a lot of paper cuts too that are incredible.

Creative Thursday Sharon Montrose Photography Elsa Mora